Benefits of a tuberculin skin testing refresher training programme forveterinary field technicians in the Bushbuckridge Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an economically important global zoonotic disease affecting all mammalian species, caused by Mycobacterium bovis. The diagnostic test prescribed by the South African National Bovine Tuberculosis Control Scheme and required for international trade in live cattle is the intradermal tuberculin test. Theoretical and practical learning of tuberculin skin testing should be done simultaneously during student training. The study aimed to assess the training programme of Veterinary Field Technicians (VFTs) on tuberculin skin testing in cattle and its impact on their performance. Twenty-five VFTs, between the ages of 22 and 61, were enrolled for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) testing refresher training, which covered both theoretical and practical aspects of the tuberculin skin test. Twenty-three VFTs participated in both the pre-training and the post-training written assessment, while two VFTs each missed one of the assessments. The mean (± SD) pre-training score was 39% (±14%), and only 4/23 VFTs (17%) achieved the pass score of 50%. The mean post-training score was 55% (± 15%), and 16 (70%) passed the post-training test. The mean difference (post-training – pre-training) was 16% (95% CI: 12, 19%; p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Hedges’ g_av = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.25). VFTs in the age group 51–61 years performed poorly in the assessments compared to those aged between 22 and 50 years old. Adjusting for pre-training score, there was an inverse association between age and post-training score (b = -0.46; 95% CI: -0.75, -0.17; p = 0.004). It was concluded from this study that VFTs employed by the State were not allocated sufficient time for theoretical and practical re-training on tuberculin skin testing of cattle in Bushbuckridge local municipality, Mpumalanga province. The refresher training course was a useful intervention to effectively improve the theoretical and practical TB testing skills of VFTs.